Photograph by Ronnie Landsberg, 1960’s. Courtesy of Companhia de Diamantes de Angola and ILAM.

These ceremonial, topical, and dance songs performed by the Luba of the Democratic Republic of Congo were recorded by Hugh Tracey in 1957. Included are pieces with guitars, xylophones (silimba), mbiras, and drums as well as songs connected to mourning, weddings, and social gatherings.